All things are legitimate [permissible—and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. 1 Corinthians 10:23 AMP

In 2015, the National Retail Federation expected American consumers to spend close to $7 billion on everything from pumpkins to costumes to candy. That’s more zeros than can fit on my calculator! Halloween is so widely celebrated that it is only second to Christmas in popularity. However, since there is nothing Christ-like about Halloween, the two holidays could not be more different. Though Halloween is portrayed and accepted by many as a harmless day of trick-or-treating and creative dress-up, nothing about Halloween glorifies God. The holiday has a dark side that is undeniably anti-Christian, and could potentially dim our light to those who are watching our walk. Its origin dating back 2,000 years ago, is saturated in evil—witchcraft and witches and warlocks and other wickedness that are deeds and representations of darkness and of the perpetrator of darkness, the devil. In Bible days, both the practice of witchcraft and sacrifices made to gods were punishable by death (Exodus 22:18, 20). God commands that, we have no other gods before Him, He is the LORD our God, and we are to worship Him only (Exodus 20:3-5).

So, if the origin and practices of Halloween do not please God, should Christians celebrate it? It may as well be a no-brainer. If we were created to please God, and we please Him by how we live, what we say, what we do, but especially how we love, then doing something that doesn’t glorify and bring pleasure to God in the exercising of our freedom may be permissible, but is it expedient (1 Corinthians 10:23)? Without regard to its dark origin, if you still choose to celebrate Halloween, who are we to “judge another man’s servant” (Romans 14:4 KJV)? You do not serve the interest of people, but of God and only He can rightfully judge your decisions. However, if we do all things as unto the Lord, we should ultimately make the decision that honors God whether concerning Halloween or any other topic of concern. Since we have a rewarding freedom in Christ, we should enjoy our freedom wisely.

Over the years, the Church has done a wonderful job of redeeming Halloween for the glory of God by offering the community faith-friendly alternatives for the occasion. Some alternatives include: local Harvest Festivals, non-spooky costume—Costume Parties, Pumpkin Patches, Trunk-or-Treats, Hallelujah Nights, and so much more! Consider finding one of these events in your area if you want to honor God, while having some fun this Halloween.

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Philippians 1:27a NLT

Miriam Wedderburn serves in her local church and in the public sector as a Teacher. She is the author of The Christian Girl's Manifesto: a Declaration of Faith and the founder of Christian Girls Brunch Club.
Instagram and Twitter @miriamgracew